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Kingdom of Saudi Arabia donates dates to government
The government yesterday took delivery of 2,500 cartons of dates presented by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for onward distribution to selected Muslim communities across the country.
The annual gesture, indicative of the long standing relationship between Ghana and Saudi Arabia, is to help Muslims replenish their lost energies in the holy period of Ramadan.
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Ghana, Meshal Hamdan Al-Rogi, handed over the gift which is the eighth donation to be presented to Ghana.
In a brief remark, Mr Al-Rogi, conveyed to government the compliments of King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, the custodian of the two holy mosques in Saudi Arabia, through whose benevolence the donation was made possible.
The Ambassador recounted the existing bond of friendship between both countries which had culminated into strong cultural and economic ties to the benefit of citizens in diverse ways.
According to him, the date fruit which remained Saudi’s most treasured natural resource serves not only as food to beneficiaries but had medicinal value to boost one’s health.
“The fruit is encouraged to be eaten prior to the breaking of the Ramadan fast because it is a natural energy booster, contains vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre and a rich taste to not only help Muslims replenish their lost energies but also benefit all Ghanaians across the religious divide,” he said.
Receiving the gift, a Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Mr Mohammed Habibu Tijani was grateful for the donation “considering the fact that dates are a national symbol of Saudi Arabia and also because it was personally from the custodian of the two Holy Mosques; King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.”
He noted that the Saudi government had over the years demonstrated trust and commitment in its relationship and dealings with Ghana.
“Due to the energy qualities of dates, its consumption during the month of Ramadan is very important and we appreciate the donation.
“We also acknowledge many other contributions made to other vital sectors of the country’s development, most importantly, health, education, energy, road, mosques and many more in the Muslim dominated communities,” Mr Tijani noted.
BY ABIGAIL ANNOH
FOR patrons at a special thanksgiving concert held in honour of parishioners, benefactors and friends at the St. Monica Catholic Rectory at Fan Milk, Accra, Rev. Fr Bonaventure Kweku Quaidoo will continue to be seen as a man of many parts.
Usually seen dressed resplendently in his cassock, Rev. Fr. Bonaventure is known by the faithful as a preacher of the word despite his background in music.
But on this auspicious occasion, the Rector, Rev. Fr Bonaventure Kweku Quaidoo, assumed the role of a conductor of the Central Ceremonial Band of the Ghana Police Service.
In front of the band wielding the conductor’s baton, Rev. Fr Bonaventure conducted the band as they gave a rendition of some of the spiritual hymns of the faithful, thrilling the audience in the event under the theme “An Evening of the Performing Arts in Thanksgiving to Beloved Parishioners, Benefactors and Friends.”
It was attended by the clergy, parishioners and invited guests for an evening that blended sacred reflection with artistic performance.
The Chaplain-General of the Ghana Police Service, DCOP Very Rev. Fr George Arthur, opened the programme with prayer, while the closing benediction was given by Very Rev. Fr. Isaac Ebo Blay, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Society.
A highlight of the evening was a classical performance by Dr Kyoung Ok Kim of the University of Ghana’s School of Performing Arts, who reinterpreted Ghanaian melodies to the delight of the audience.
Ordained in 1990, Rev. Fr Quaidoo is a trained musician and former member of the National Symphony Orchestra. Over the past 35 years, he has served in the dioceses of Tamale, Damongo and Accra, integrating music into his pastoral ministry.
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THE 41st Farmers’ Day was held last Friday in the Volta Region, honouring outstanding farmers that contributed immensely in the sustenance of the country’s food basket.
This year’s celebration was themed “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future”, reflecting the government’s emphasis on strengthening food systems, promoting local consumption, and building long-term resilience in the agricultural sector.
It was attended by the President, John Dramani Mahama, Minister of Agriculture, Mr Ernest Opoku, Regional Ministers and Paramount Chief of Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV.
The week-long observance began on December 1, at the Ho Sports Stadium with the official opening of the 2025 National Agricultural Fair.
An 82 year-old farmer, Mr Opanin Abraham Kwaku Adusei from Kwawu Odumase in the Afram Plains District of the Eastern Region, was adjudged the 2025 National Best Farmer.
President Mahama commended the farmers for their dedication and pivotal role in advancing the country’s agricultural sector.
The Minister of Agriculture, Mr Eric Opoku, also attributed the current food glut to innovation and resilience of farmers.
Established in 1985, Farmers’ Day has grown into one of Ghana’s most significant national events—celebrating the enduring contributions of farmers and fishers to the nation’s development and economic stability.
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